News
April 2008 HB 1998 continues to be reviewed by the House Professional License Committee. Along with our lobbyist, Colleen Kopp, we have met with various groups concerned with the bill, including the Pennsylvania Medical Society, PA Academy of Family Physicians, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (Pennsylvania Department of State), and the Governor's Office on Health Care Reform. We recognize the importance of educating the legislators and interest groups about naturopathic medicine. We are addressing questions raised by the representatives regarding terms and definitions applicable to naturopathic medicine, and have received valuable input from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, several of the naturopathic medical schools and members of the PANP. We are hopeful that concerns over bill language can be resolved so that the bill can pass out of committee. Again, we thank those that have helped us in this journey to achieve licensing for naturopathic medicine in Pennsylvania.
HB 1998 was introduced in the PA House October 30, and is currently in the House Professional License Committee. A hearing on the bill was held on November 29 at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) in Philadelphia.
We had a favorable response from the House panel, and we had a fantastic group of people testifying on our behalf. Michelle Qaqundah, ND and Aminah Keats, ND (both from CTCA) gave a great introduction of our profession. David Schleich (President, NCNM) and Guru Sandesh Singh Khalsa (Dean of Naturopathic Medicine, UBCNM) both gave important testimony regarding our education and accreditation. Three clients who have been through the CTCA program gave compelling testimony about their experiences with naturopathic medicine. And finally, a panel from CTCA, including two MD oncologists, the CEO of CTCA-Philadelphia, and Tim Birdsall, ND (Vice President of Natural Medicine at CTCA) all spoke in favor of licensing for naturopathic doctors in Pennsylvania.
Many, many thanks go to Michelle Qaqundah, ND and our lobbyist, Colleen Kopp, for their efforts in arranging for speakers at the hearing, and the preparation of materials for the representatives. Things would not have gone as well without their hard work. The bill still needs to pass out of Committee and onto the floor of the House. We are also hoping for introduction in the Senate in early 2008.